Kevin & Vicki Bailey travelling in their restored 1935 Stinson Reliant SR-8C VH-UXL around Australia. It commenced March 25th with the crossing of the Nullabor, thru SA & in Victoria - attending the RAAF 90th Anniversary Pilgrimage, AAAA Annual fly-in at Echuca. Our plans are to see as much of Qld before turning left into Northern Territory and finally down the west coast of WA to home.

Sunday, 3 April 2011

April 2 Echuca

Kev headed off to the airport for practice day whilst Mum and I planned a touristy day in Echuca.Our first item to mark off the “bucket list” was a riverboat cruise on a paddle steamer.So we booked a time on the Pride of the Murray and then bought food and staples for the next few days.The paddle steamer itself was beautifully maintainedand well appointed.We enjoyed a very calm cruise upstream and were surprised at the number of restored paddleboats there were on the Murray.The tidal flow was very fast and many kayakers were taking advantage of it.

Pride of the Murray

Emmy Lou

Britannia

After the cruise we went into the old area of the wharves and wandered through craft shops including woodworking and ironmongers shop, the chocolate factory and many gift stores.The town had a lovely chestnut horse pulling a lovely wagon on a tour of the main town blocks.That wagon and horse passed us at least 6 times during our travels – he was very popular.We also saw a banner advertising the Airshow which was planned for tomorrow (Sunday) and there at the bottom was a photo of our Stinson parked there in 2007.(I could even see myself walking by)

The official AAAA event commenced with a dinner at the Airfield that evening.A huge marquis had been organized with caterers.The people and atmosphere were all friendly and a great camaraderie was offered by all attendees.The meal was plentiful and well received on the cold night.The MC for the evening was our friend, fun-loving Peter Bernardi and Craig Taberner announced the category winners.